Public sector cuts to HR departments go too deep revealed a survey of over 1000 public sector workers. Cuts in the public sector have left HR departments under resourced, resulting in poor staff morale according to research conducted by leading recruitment consultantsBadenoch& Clark.

The survey of over 1000 public sector workers revealed that, six months on from the Spending Review, a third (33.3 percent) of HR professionals considered managing widespread under resourcing as their key challenge. Over three quarters (87.9 percent) of HR professionals said morale was either average or poor. Levels of uncertainty remain high, with a third (33.3 percent) expecting sweeping job cuts in their department and a further fifth (21.2 percent) stating they remain uncertain as to what the future holds. Two fifths (42.3 percent) of HR respondents also claimed that they work much harder in the wake of the Spending Review.

HR professionals in the public sector are hoping that the Chancellor, George Osbourne, will revise his priorities in next week’s budget, with almost all (93.9 percent) saying they would like to see the Government address the growing employment issues in the UK. When asked how issues with morale were being addressed in their department, over half (51.5 percent) indicated that effective internal communication was key to maintaining strong staff morale. This was followed by team building exercises (24.2 percent) and training and development opportunities at 18.2 percent.

Duncan Ward, Operations Director at Badenoch& Clark said: “This research paints a glum picture of life in the public sector at present. Morale is low, as workers are asked to work harder whilst having little job security. Those departments that have already seen cuts are feeling the strain and those still awaiting the impact of the Spending Review are left in limbo. With a growing consensus that the forthcoming Budget will bring further cuts, a respite for the public sector looks unlikely.“Those in public sector management positions must now work to offer assurances to their teams, where possible. Open communication with employees alongside setting out a firm plan for the future, will assist in increasing morale. Having clear training and development plans will also ensure people feel valued and more confident about the future.”

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